518-608-5797 Facebook Twitter Linkedin Google+ YouTube Blog

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

mobile-callClick to Call
Twin Bridges Insurance Agency

1881 Western Avenue, Suite 210
Albany, NY 12203

google-mapGet Directions
Family in automobile

Can I file a claim with my Albany, New York insurance company if the basement of my home suffered damage due to flood?

Depending on the source of the water damage, your homeowners insurance should cover the damage in your basement. Many homeowners may not realize that flood insurance, caused by a natural disaster, usually requires a separate policy. Although, if your water heater breaks, your bathtub or washing machine over flows, or your sump pump stops working, you should be able to file a claim for the water damage.

Speaking with your independent agent is the first step to take if you have damage to your basement in Saratoga Springs or Schenectady. We can help you determine if your current insurance policy will cover the damage. If you use your basement as a recreational area or a media room, you may have extensive repairs. With a quality homeowners insurance plan, you should be able to replace your pool table, gaming system, and huge flat screen television without a problem and in a short amount of time.

If you find out your current policy will not cover the damage, you will want to shop around and find another plan. An independent insurance agent can help you compare rates and quotes to find the best policy for your situation in Albany, New York. We want to help you and we care about helping you protect your home and your personal possessions. No one wants to live without their belongings or face the stress of filing an insurance claim. When you work with independent agents, they can help you find the policy you need for the price you can afford. Call us today.

Is it legal for my independent child to be covered under my auto insurance policy in Albany, New York?

When it comes to auto insurance for young adults, the insurance rates are normally higher because young drivers are at a much greater risk of becoming involved in accidents. This becomes clear when you review the accident statistics in Albany, New York and other states across the country.

Auto insurance for young people is more costly

There’s no question that auto insurance can be a major expense for many young adults even if they’re working. You asked if it’s legal to keep a young, independent child on your policy. Your son or daughter can probably remain on your policy provided that your child is still living at home. Rather than taking out an individual policy for your teen, it’s usually cheaper to keep him, or her covered on the family policy if possible.

As your independent agent, we can help you. Before adding a child to your family insurance policy, you need some solid and informed advice about your own liability prior to changing the policy. Depending on the laws in New York State as well as how the policy is currently structured, there are potential liability issues for every family member listed on your policy in the event of an accident caused by your child. This is why it’s very important for you to contact us in order to speak with your independent agent in our Albany community so that you are fully informed.

State laws rule with auto insurance

Whether a family lives in Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, or Albany, it’s the state laws along with the provisions in your policy that govern the rules and regulations. It’s easy to find the best coverage for your budget in minutes by comparing insurance quotes with NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency online.

Does my Auto Insurance in Albany, New York Cover if I Hit a Wild Animal While Passing by a Forest?

Hitting an animal passing on the road can be more than bothersome; it can be expensive. The cost of repairing your vehicle may be covered by your auto insurance in Albany, New York, but only if your current policy provides protection against damage from animals. If you hit an animal while driving through a forest, then the options available to help pay for the damages may vary.

Type of Insurance

Before it is possible to determine the details of your policy, it is important to consider the type of coverage you purchased. If you purchased a basic liability plan, then you may not be covered for damages caused by an animal that was hit by your car.

A comprehensive plan may or may not provide protection against animal passing accidents. Every insurer is different, so the details of your current plan may vary.

Review Your Policy

If you have a comprehensive plan, then review your policy thoroughly to determine the full extent of your coverage. Read the policy and pay attention to clauses and exceptions. The clauses and exceptions will help identify if there are any problems that may result in a denial of your claim. Insurers may exclude specific animals or specific situations from the policy, so the exceptions may play a role in determining your exact coverage.

Find out what is covered and then make a claim. Since insurers have different details and plans, the options that you may have can vary.

It is important to obtain the right auto insurance for your specific needs, including the potential to hit animals when you are driving in a forested area. Contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency to talk to an independent agent to learn more about your auto policy options.

I travel a lot and rent cars all over the world. When in Albany, NY, Do I have to buy the insurance provided by car rental company?

We’ve all been there–you’re signing on the dotted line for your rental car and you’re staring at that one extra form, the one that says "auto insurance," and wondering if you should take it or not. Visions flash through your head of every way this car could be damaged and how much the car company could sue you for when it’s all said and done. Many a driver caves in at this point and signs the insurance form, but it turns out that this is often not the right decision.

If you’re driving in Albany, New York or elsewhere in the United States and you have collision insurance, it will probably cover you in a rental car. Of course, you’ll want to check with your agent and be sure before you rent, but it is usually the case. Even if you don’t have collision insurance or your auto insurance doesn’t cover a rental car, chances are you will be paying for the rental with a credit card and that credit card may have rental car insurance, too. Again, it would be wise to check and be sure with your credit card company before renting. Only if a rental car is not covered by your auto insurance or your credit card should you pay the extra money to buy rental car insurance.

Whether in rental cars or your own personal automobile, you do not want to travel without auto insurance. If you live in Saratoga Springs, Albany, Schenectady or anywhere in New York, you can find the best deal on auto insurance by contacting NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency. As your independent agent, we can get you live comparative quotes on auto insurance to get you the best deal possible.

Can I file a claim with my Albany, NY insurance company if the basement of my home suffered damage due to flood?

If you live anywhere near Albany, New York, you’re probably familiar with the flooding problems caused by the Hudson, Mohawk and Housatonic rivers. Particularly in March, these rivers crest from melt water and can cause a real nightmare for people with homes a little too close to them, or a little too low in the landscape. If your basement floods it’s only natural to wonder "will my homeowners insurance cover the damages?" Unfortunately the answer is usually no.

Most home insurance policies cover named perils, in which a flood is almost never included. Many unprepared homeowners have tried to file a claim a flood damaged their basement or living space only to be told that floods are excluded. To cover damages from a flood, you need to purchase separate flood insurance, which is obviously a good idea if you live in a flood plain. The cost of such a policy depends on the value of your home, the size of your deductible and the likelihood of a flood in your area.

The key to peace of mind as a homeowner is having the right kind of insurance for your particular location and the dangers within it. If you live in Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Albany or elsewhere in the region, you should contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency. As your independent agent, we can get you comparative quotes from multiple insurers to make sure that you get the right homeowners insurance policy at the right price. If you live in a flood plain and want to get protection, call us today.

Will my Albany, New York insurance company cover my personal belongings when I am travelling in a foreign country?

In most cases your insurance company in Albany, New York will cover your personal belongings when you travel to a foreign country. All homeowners should have home insurance that protects belongings owned by the family. When you travel overseas or to a foreign country, there is chance you might loose your luggage, your laptop, or even your cell phone. If these items are covered under your homeowners policy, you should be able to replace them quickly.

An independent agent is a professional who can explain homeowners insurance coverage and help you to compare rates and quotes for several different providers. If you travel often and you are worried about protecting your belongings, make sure your policy covers these types of accidents. Whether you live in Saratoga Springs or Schenectady, purchasing a quality homeowners insurance plan is important. Often when people travel they take their electronics, jewelry, and other expensive items. If you are a victim of theft or an accident, you will want to replace the items and get on with your vacation or business trip.

When choosing insurance coverage in Albany, New York think about the items you need to insure. You will probably want to take an inventory of all of your precious possessions and even take pictures or video of the items. If you need to make a claim when you are at home or in a foreign country, documentation will help the process go quickly. Your independent agent can give you some tips about how to inventory your home and make sure you have enough homeowner insurance protection. We are here and ready to help you today.

Are the Passengers in my Car Insured Even Though They are not Listed on the Insurance Policy in Albany, New York?

Auto insurance policies in Albany, New York focus on the drivers of the vehicle, not the passengers. Any passengers in the vehicle are usually covered under a policy, even if they are not listed as potential drivers. Although the details of any policy may vary slightly, passengers are usually given a certain amount of medical coverage in case an accident occurs and they are injured.

People Listed in a Policy

In most cases, passengers are not listed on policies because they are not operating the vehicle. The only people listed with the company are the individuals who drive the car. That means children, friends and other individuals in the back seat or passenger seat are protected under a basic plan.

Amount of Protection

The details of a specific plan and the amount of protection provided may vary. The best way to determine how much protection is available for children and guests in the vehicle is by looking through the details of your current plan. The plan will tell when there are exceptions, how much protection to expect and the amount of medical coverage that is available.

Read through the policy to determine the exact amount of protection each individual is offered as well as the maximum amount that is available for an accident. Even a basic plan will have some protection for the driver and passengers of a vehicle.

An auto insurance policy will usually offer protection for every individual in the car, even if they are not old enough to drive or are not listed as potential drivers under the policy. To learn more about the type of situations that are covered, contact us to talk to an independent agent.

Are we Legally Required to Notify our Insurance Company in Albany, New York if our 22-year-old Son Who is on our Car Insurance Policy Gets a DUI Charge?

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense. It puts lives at risk and is a primary cause of accidents each year. When an adult child is charged with a DUI, it is important to notify the auto insurance company about the charges.

Liability and Risks

A key reason that it is important to notify the insurer in Albany, New York is the amount of risk involved. If the company is not informed that a 22-year-old son was charged with drinking and driving, then they are legally allowed to refuse payment if an accident occurs in the future.

Refusing to inform the insurer may result in losing the policy. In general, it is better to explain the situation than to take the risk that the insurer will drop the policy in the future.

Changes to the Policy

After informing the insurer about the situation, the cost of coverage and the details in the policy may change. The risks increase when a driver under the plan is charged with a DUI because it means that the driver is more likely to get into an accident. The car may not be covered if the accident is caused by a similar incident.

If the charges are dropped or the young adult is proven innocent, then it may be possible to retain the same coverage and plan.

It is tempting to avoid the situation when a young adult makes a mistake, but the consequences of avoiding the situation may result in more severe complications in the future. To learn more about the possible solutions that are available after a DUI charge, contact us to talk to an independent agent today.

Will I have to take out a different type of insurance depending on whether I buy a new or a used car in Albany, NY?

When you drive a car in New York, you need some type of auto insurance. The law requires that everyone have at least the state minimum auto insurance coverage, but you may want or need to carry more comprehensive coverage. You can easily work with your NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency agent to work out additional coverage that will provide even more protection than the law requires.

If you buy and finance a new car, the finance company will require you to take out additional auto insurance. Technically, you do not own your car until you finish making all the payments. If you should get in to an accident and cause substantial damage or total your vehicle, the finance company does not want to suffer a loss. They will insist that you carry adequate collision and comprehensive coverage so the car can be repaired or the note can be paid off from the proceeds of the insurance company’s settlement check.

If you own an old car, you may need to decide whether or not it is worth paying an additional premium for collision to cover damages should you get into an accident. If, for example, your car is worth $700 and you have a $500 deductible, the most you could ever hope to collect is $200.

At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, here in Albany, New York, we have many clients who need coverage but do not want to pay high premiums. We represent many different auto insurance companies and can compare quotes to find you the best rates. Give us a call today to talk to an independent agent.

I left my Government job before becoming eligible for retirement. What are my options regarding my retirement contributions in Albany, New York?

When it comes to your employment there is nothing more critical than getting your retirement in order before the time comes to call it quits. The big problem that some people have is that they do not stay at one job long enough to qualify for any kind of retirement benefits. Here are some things that you can do if you find that you do not have any retirement benefits in Albany, New York.

Your Retirement Options When You Leave Your Job

  • Just because you leave a job with no pension does not mean you do not have options. One of the first things you can do is participate in the 401k program. Most companies have a matching plan that you can have to save money for retirement.
  • Look into whether you are eligible to buy company stock. Some companies allow their people to buy general stock at a discounted rate.
  • Get a life insurance policy that builds cash value. This can give your family and yourself the peace of mind knowing that your funeral expenses are taken care of.
  • You can also look into opening an IRA account for future retirement expenses. An IRA gives you a pretax contribution option to grow your money.

There are a lot of things that you can do in order to build for your retirement once you have left your job. If you have any questions about your insurance needs, then you need to contact your independent agent today. As your agent we can help answer your questions and help you get the coverage you need for when you are ready to retire from being in the work force.